Edinburgh Napier appoints Rosie Howie publisher in residence

Edinburgh Napier University has appointed Rosie Howie, publisher at Hodder Gibson, as its new publisher in residence.

The role is designed to facilitate industry-specific learning opportunities for MSc Publishing students, enabling them to develop concepts and research into business-critical opportunities which will have commercial impact.

Howie (pictured) will be involved in the MSc Publishing programme, delivering masterclasses, assisting with placement and research opportunities, sharing her experiences and helping to mentor, inspire and support students and academics.

Howie is an alumna of the MSc Publishing course and since graduating in 2012 has worked predominantly in educational publishing. She worked at Edinburgh University Press, Waterstones and Bright Red Publishing before moving to Hodder Gibson, part of the Hachette Group. Howie is also described as instrumental in the rejuvenation of the Scottish branch of the Society of Young Publishers.

She said: “A decade after graduating from the MSc Publishing course at Edinburgh Napier University, it is a privilege and delight to take up this exciting opportunity to be their publisher in residence. It feels like I have come full circle. It is an honour to give back to the course, and to work with such a dedicated team of staff and inspiring group of students. I hope to provide useful insight into the industry and offer training in a range of publishing skills.

“I am also looking forward to learning from the staff and students at the university, especially through research collaboration opportunities. Speaking with the students over the course of the last few months has given me real hope for the future leadership of the publishing industry in Scotland and internationally.”

Avril Gray, associate professor in publishing, programme leader of MSc Publishing and director of Merchiston Publishing, said: “Rosie will bring invaluable insight and experience, to the benefit of our staff and students. We are excited to work alongside such a respected publishing professional, someone who has demonstrated she cares for the opportunities of young people entering the industry. I personally look forward to a collaboration which will forge even closer connections with industry to the benefit of our very vocational - and successful - Publishing Masters programme.

“Rosie’s knowledge and experience will not only energise and inspire activity across the programme but also help enhance the critical commercial practices that underpin our teaching. We have very strong links to industry and an incredible network of alumni, so to be able to work with Rosie will be inspirational for our students and hugely enriching on so many levels.”

Dr Diane Maclean, Dean of the School of Arts & Creative Industries at Edinburgh Napier, added: “I’m delighted that this new position, the first of its kind in the UK, has been announced. Our publishing team continually spearheads new developments to ensure that Edinburgh Napier remains the place to come and study publishing. I have no doubt that our new publisher in residence will be an exciting addition to the team."